John Bercow has insisted that his wife is not his “chattel, an appendage, an
add-on” and he will not try to stop her doing more reality television shows.

The Speaker of the House of Commons was asked at journalists’ lunch if he was unhappy that his wife Sally had appeared on the Channel 5 programme “Big Brother”.

He said: “We have our views about these things like any other couple – I am not going to be a hypocrite and say that I agree with everything that Sally has done, and say I would rather you did not do that. Such conversations have taken place.”

Mr Bercow also said that he was relaxed about his wife’s support for the Labour party

“She is perfectly free to do her own thing. It would be wrong for me to browbeat her and it would be entirely ineffective.”

Mrs Bercow, who was at the lunch in the House of Commons, said: “Thanks Honey.”

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Mr Bercow used occasion to launch an excoriating attack on “amateurish” security at the Houses of Parliament.

Mr Bercow said a series of incidents, including a foam pie attack on Rupert Murdoch, had shown that the arrangements were “unsatisfactory”.

Serjeant at Arms Jill Pay recently announced her retirement amid rumours of a bust-up with the Speaker.

Asked whether he was happy with the protection at Parliament, Mr Bercow replied: “If you ask me do I think that security is satisfactory, the short answer is ‘no I don’t’. “I think it has been messy, complex and amateurish on many occasions in the past.

“That doesn't mean that there haven't been some extremely good individuals working in the House.

“But the way in which it has been coordinated or the failure to do so has been a real blot on our copybook.”

Mr Bercow made clear that the Commons Commission, together with the House of Lords, would decide whether a director of security should be appointed following Ms Pay's departure.

But he added: "I see a strong case for change as I think do many other people. It has been a recommendation of several reports going back to 2004."”

The Speaker also dismissed the suggestion that he should immediately give up his traditional ultra-gold plated pension.

Under current rules, he does not make contributions and will be entitled to half his salary - around £35,000 - for the rest of his life after leaving the post.

Mr Bercow did not rule out sacrificing the benefit - which has already been given up by Prime Minister David Cameron – but only if the law was changed.

He said: “I think I am right in saying that the only watertight way of proceeding is through primary legislation, and whether such legislation is brought forward is a matter for the Government and not for me.

“I certainly don't refuse to speak to ministers if ministers choose to speak to me. I am not planning to go on strike on the matter.” He stressed that his MP pension benefits were being reduced in line with those of other members.